Extended Reality (XR) in maritime education

Abstract

Abstract Simulators have for decades been used in maritime education enabling trainees to train and learn, in realistic scenarios in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective way. The software and hardware technology for these simulators is ever evolving, providing increased immersion and higher fidelity for the user. Nevertheless, in the last decade virtual reality (VR) and head mounted display (HMD) technology has been focused on by researchers and practitioners in maritime education and training (MET) as a low cost and easily accessible alternative to highly advanced and costly navigation simulators. However, a novel type of simulator technology that has not been exploited in MET is immersive HMD extended reality (XR) tours used as a learning tool. To investigate immersed HMD XR tours within MET, a between group experiment was conducted to measure effects between an immersed group (n=18) using immersed HMD technology and a non-immersed group (n=18) using non-immersed traditional desktop technology to teach nautical students GMDSS radio equipment’s main data. Results found that there was no significant learning effect for the immersed HMD XR tour group, compared to the non-immersed desktop group (p= .430), however, significance in motivation p= .035 and significance in engagement p= .041 was found. Although there was lack of support in learning effect, the immersed HMD XR tours still have sizeable potential to become a learning tool to enhancing motivation and engagement